IDA announces Term 19 YLP co-chairs and new committee

A NEW GENERATION OF WATER SECTOR LEADERS: THE IDA TERM 19 YOUNG LEADERS COMMITTEE & THE YEAR AHEAD Since 2009, IDA’s Young Leaders Program has been a hub for likeminded young professionals, gathering the next generation of leaders to advocate for sustainable solutions. Ten years later, the Program is a wellrespected resource for members looking to enhance their careers—but this year, the Committee is investing in the Program anew, capitalizing on its potential to enact real change around the world.

“The Term 19 Committee has demonstrated outstanding dedication and drive,” said the IDA YLP Board Representatives

“Previous YLP Committees have done outstanding work bringing new opportunities for young professionals in our industry, all of which have undoubtedly contributed to the career growth of our members,” says Dr. Giancarlo Barassi, Co-Chair of the Term 19 YLP Committee. “During the next term, we plan to expand on what has already been achieved, extending the reach of the program through the collaborative efforts of YLP Members, IDA stakeholders, and the water sector at large.”

Dr. Barassi and his co-chair, Ms. Alessandra Piaia, have ambitious plans for the years ahead. Not only do the co-chairs intend to revivify standard initiatives of the YLP, but also, they have a number of new efforts designed to take the Program’s global presence to new heights.

“The Term 19 Committee has demonstrated outstanding dedication and drive,” said the IDA YLP Board Representatives, Ms. Jantje Johnson and Dr. Masaru Kurihara. “Under their leadership, we have immense confidence in the development of YLP.

Here are just a few of what the Co-Chairs and Committee have in store for YLP Members:

IDA-YLP Mentorship Program

An established aspect of the YLP, the Mentorship Program connects YLP Members with established industry experts and IDA stakeholders. Through a mutually beneficial relationship, mentors and mentees exchange business acumen, technical knowledge, career advice, and insider tips on the state of the water sector and the projected areas of growth and development in the years to come.

Professional Development & IDA Academy Webinars

Partnering with the IDA Academy, the IDA-YLP Term 19 committee will host a series of professional development webinars, aimed at young professionals working to distinguish themselves in their field. Offering cutting-edge technical knowledge and industry tips, these webinars are to all IDAYLP members and available on demand.

Unique Opportunities for International Networking

Under the Term 19 Committee’s leadership, networking opportunities for young professionals will multiply, as the Committee will work to include all YLP members in numerous IDA initiatives and events, such as the third International Water Reuse & Recycling Conference, the IDA Academy Webinar Series, the IDA World Congress, and more. By creating these opportunities for connection, the Term 19 YLP members are privy to exclusive opportunities to make a name for themselves in the sector.

Partnerships with the Sustainable Water Resource Foundation (SWRF)

YLP Members are prime candidates to support IDA’s sister organization, the Sustainable Water Resources Foundation! A United States non-profit 501 (c) (3), IDA-SWRF promotes creative solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges by providing technical assistance for developing countries through the new “Water Engineers & Technicians Without Borders Program.”

Meet the YLP Community, Term 19 Being part of YLP means being part of a community of young professionals ready to lead the future of water. In addition to complete access to IDA’s directory of members, YLP Members are put in touch with the Young Leaders Program Committee, a group of young professionals dedicated to advocating the Program and its interest to the community.

Young Leaders Program Chairpersons, Term 19

Dr. Giancarlo Barassi YLP Committee Co-Chair FEDCO

Ms. Alessandra Piaia YLP Committee Co-Chair TORAY

Young Leaders Program Committee, Term 19

Dr. Antonella de Luca YLP Sponsorships Coordinator OMYA Dr. Guillem Gilabert-Oriol YLP Regional Coordinator Europe Dupont Mr. Jungbin Kim YLP Regional Coordinator Asia Pacific Korea University

Ms. Monica Boodhan YLP Membership Coordinator / Regional Coordinator Caribbean University of Tobago Ms. Kelley Vendeland YLP Communications Coordinator ERI

Mr. Michael Warady YLP Regional Coordinator North & Central America Sylmar Group

Dr. Motasem Abushaban YLP Regional Coordinator MEA IHE DELFT